Jackie Awve - South Florida Women In Business {south florida portrait photographer}
I am very excited to be re-starting up my monthly blog series highlighting South Florida Women in Business. As a business owner myself, I know that ups and downs of owning a business, but I also love to hear the advice and stories of other women who are working hard to create success and balance in their business and life. So on that note, meet Jackie Awve! She is the owner, creative director, and the brains behind Jackie Awve Marketing, a marketing consulting company that creates marketing strategies to develop a company's brand and differentiate their business in the marketplace. She is a hardworking, smart, beautiful woman, with whom I had the pleasure of working with on her own personal branding.
Tell me about your you and your business: I update marketing programs for small business so they can spend more time and energy on growth. I am super passionate about revitalizing a business’ image and updating how they communicate with their world.
Was there a person who made a difference in getting you started in your career or who gave great advice, supported you and made a difference in starting your own business:
There are a lot of crossroads when you start your own business, and I owe gratitude to a lot of people along the way. The list is long.
What is the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business? Hands down: being limitless. I know every day that I am in charge of my success. There are no reigns holding me back. On the other hand, being a business owner removes the ability to fall back on excuses too. That can be scary for some people, but I love it because it pushes you to grow personally and professionally. Every day is an opportunity to get better at what I do.
I also don’t discount the impact that having my own business has had on my sons (ages 16 and 12). While flexibility is a major perk, the lessons they have gained by just watching is incredible. I know they are getting a head start in developing a business sense and work ethic.
What is the most challenging thing about owning your own business?
I often compare starting your own business to having children. Both require a lot of attention, hard work, and will test everything you know about yourself. It’s a way of life, but while you are challenged every day, there is nothing better than watching your ‘baby’ thrive. Every milestone gives you more confidence and a real sense of pride.
How do you balance work, family, and fun?
Ha! I am not sure that I do. I think it’s important to have our own definition of balance and live up to that. Too many of us feel out of balance because we are trying to live someone else’s definition.
When you are not at work, where can we find you?
My kids dictate a lot of that. It’s usually at a baseball field or possibly judging a debate tournament during the school year. If our boys are involved, we are involved, at least in some capacity. Like I said, there is nothing better than watching your ‘baby’ thrive.
What are three things you can't live without (other than your family)?
My computer with good internet connection is the lifeline of my business so that is a must. I love starting the day with a power walk and some sort of audio book. I am also learning the value of a good night's sleep.
What advice would you give other women who are starting their own business?
Have a plan, but take it one day at a time.
Thank you, Jackie. To see more of Jackie's work and business, please visit her site here.
